1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1996 BMW 523
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 523 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1996 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
